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CHF Canada media release
 Previous release Media release index Next release November 18, 2008 – Ken Elliott is just one of the many Canadians wondering what tomorrow’s Speech from the Throne will say about affordable housing. Elliott, a single parent of college-age children and President of the Co‑operative Housing Federation of Canada, knows just what finding an affordable home can mean to a family. He and his family have lived in Eastwood Housing Co‑operative in Woodstock , New Brunswick since 1991. But he knows the struggles that the families on the waiting list for co‑operative housing face. Eastwood Housing Co‑operative’s average turnover is one unit a year. For the last vacancy, the co‑op had 15 applicants. The family that moved in had been living in a partially-collapsed farmhouse with little heat. Other applicants were living in basement suites where mould and dampness were causing health problems. “Housing co‑ops and other affordable housing providers across the country have waiting lists of thousands of people desperate to find housing,” he says. Elliott is not alone in looking for Stephen Harper's new government to provide much-needed relief for the four million Canadians in housing need. Earlier this year the Federation of Canadian Municipalities released a National Action Plan for Housing, calling on the federal government to “put an end to the chronic uncertainty around affordable housing and play a strong leadership role by committing to a long-term strategy working with provinces and municipalities, as well as the community sector.” Provincial leaders have also voiced concern about Canada ’s affordable housing crisis and growing homelessness across the country. The new minority government has an opportunity to build on its commitment to renew federal housing and homelessness programs, a welcome decision taken just before the election was called. In the Throne Speech, Canadians expect the government to confirm its decision to safeguard the Affordable Housing Initiative, the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program, and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. But more is needed. Canada 's affordable housing shortage is a national problem requiring co-ordinated national action that sets goals for the reduction of core housing need. Co‑operative and other non-profit housing providers are ready to play a key role in a housing plan for Canada , in co‑operation with government, and to offer practical policy options for governments to consider. These are difficult economic times and affordable housing is needed more than ever. The government can play a leadership role by forming a renewed housing partnership to find solutions to address both economic and housing issues. An expansion of the affordable rental sector in partnership with community stakeholder groups will both diversify the range of housing solutions for Canadians, and introduce much-needed stimulus to a faltering Canadian economy. CHF Canada is the national voice of the Canadian co‑operative housing movement. Its members include nearly 900 non-profit housing co‑operatives. Across Canada , a quarter of a million people live in housing co‑operatives. For more information, contact: Nicholas Gazzard, Executive Director (613) 230-2201 ext. 230, or (613) 293-8913 (cell) Merrilee Robson, Program Manager, Communications, 1-877-533-2667, ext. 122, or (778) 227-3864 (cell) |
